Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
BSBI's IELTS scores
Figures are from BSBI's admission and programme pages, linked in the first column.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other proof |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate programmes | 6.0, at least 5.5 in each component | Equivalent B2 qualification |
| BA (Hons) Media and Communications | 6.0, at least 5.5 in each component | Equivalent B2 qualification |
| MSc Project Management | 6.5, at least 5.5 in each component | Equivalent B2 qualification |
Accepted tests and waivers
BSBI's FAQ lists IELTS, PTE and TOEFL as accepted tests. It waives the requirement for native English speakers, applicants who completed their education in English (high school diploma or IB), and applicants who completed their undergraduate degree in English in an English-speaking country.
The programme pages quote the German Foreign Office: for applications in India, Duolingo, Pearson PTE and TOEFL home edition tests are not recognised for study visas. If you apply from India, plan on IELTS or another recognised test.
Free test: are you at BSBI's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Deposit, partners and how to check
BSBI degrees are awarded by partner universities; the BA (Hons) Media and Communications page refers to the University of Chichester's country entry requirements. Bachelor's applicants pay a €2,000 deposit on signing the study contract, and the FAQ lists a €150 administrative fee at that stage.
Your German student visa is handled by the German embassy or consulate where you apply, not by BSBI. This guide covers BSBI's admission rule only. Our IELTS for Germany guide covers the visa side and test fees.
English requirements in Germany are set per programme and can change between intakes. The score that binds you is the one on your BSBI programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score does BSBI need?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component for bachelor's, and 6.5 with 5.5 in each component for MSc Project Management.
Does BSBI accept PTE?+
BSBI's FAQ lists PTE. Its pages also note that PTE is not recognised for German study visa applications in India.
Can BSBI waive IELTS?+
Yes, for native speakers, applicants educated in English at school (diploma or IB), and those with an English-taught degree from an English-speaking country.
Does BSBI accept Duolingo for Indian applicants?+
BSBI's pages quote the German Foreign Office that Duolingo is not recognised for applications in India.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in Germany accepting IELTS 6.0
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences IELTS requirement
- SRH University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for Germany: visa, universities and fees
- PTE for Germany compared
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy